This is going to be a pretty lean Christmas, gift-wise, in many southeast Michigan homes.

For some of you, that’s a big shock.

But for my family, a budget-friendly Christmas is nothing new. When my husband and I got married, both of us had already had settled into frugal adult lifestyles. Although we knew people who spent quite a bundle at Christmas, we never got in the habit of doing so. There were a couple of years when we spent more than usual because we had extra money, but we considered those purchases to be a special treat rather than setting a precedent.

In recent years, we have spent about $75 each on the daughter, the husband and I. Gifts to other people have ranged from $5 to $25 each, depending on the declared gift exchange price range or whatever we found on sale.

Here are some of my tips on what to buy for whom during a lean Christmas gift season.

Teacher gifts: I don’t recall buying Christmas gifts for my daughters’ teachers. I know this is an expectation some of you have put upon yourselves – or worse, insist that everyone in the classroom pitch in for a certain amount. This really is not necessary. A teacher worthy of the profession will not think more or less of your child or your child’s class because a Christmas gift was provided. If you want to provide a teacher gift anyway, seek out a gift certificate to an office supply, art supply or book store. A Christmas card with a nice note in appreciation of his or her talents won’t cost you anything.

Gift exchanges: We stay out of the office and club gift exchange loops as much as tactfully possible. Even with $10 limits, you can quickly find yourself obligated to $50 or more in additional Christmas purchases once your connections and your spouse’s connections are added up. Can you really afford that expense this year?

Friends / co-workers / hostess gifts: If you are friendly enough with certain people to wish to provide them a small gift, or a hostess gift is an appropriate response to an invitation, plan ahead for those needs. Boxes of chocolate can easily be found on sale during the shopping season – so stock up when the prices are good. A unique Christmas tree ornament can be a lovely hostess gift. You can assemble your own treat boxes with flavored teas and coffees, popcorn or candy purchased on coupon + sale + / or drugstore rebate. For some, a bottle of wine or other alcoholic beverage is a welcome hostess gift. And the cheapest way to provide a fruit basket is by picking out a basket at a thrift shop, and filling it yourself with fruit you purchased from a fundraiser or at the produce market.

Little kids: Find out the one or two things they really, really want for Christmas and focus your effort and money on those items. A big pile of boxes might be impressive and /or your family tradition, but younger kids want to play immediately with their gifts when they open that bag or box. You are breeding a temper tantrum if you repeatedly take each new toy or clothing away and tell them, “Now, open this box!” And if you can’t afford that huge pile anyway, why start the temper tantrum?

Junior high through college kids: Money or gift cards to their favorite stores or restaurants are appropriate for older kids. You’ll like that approach because you can stay within your gift budget. But teens frequently have items on their wish lists that are difficult to find or beyond any one relative’s ability to provide. They will enjoy being able to combine cash or gift cards from two or three relatives to purchase exactly what they want.

The stocking stuffers: Don’t spend too much money to make the stocking look full. Oranges and nuts in the shell are traditional and healthy Christmas treats and can take up a lot of space in the sock for very little money. Giant-sized candy bars can easily be found for $1 each this time of year. Teenage girls or moms might like a new nail polish or lipstick. Boys might like a new Hot Wheels car. A good variety of Christmas tree ornaments can be found for $5 or less.

Family gift: One alternative to purchasing individual gifts is finding a gift that the entire family can share and enjoy. This year, because of the digital TV transition, one possibility is a new TV set. This could also be a video game or a board game, a season pass to the zoo or favorite museum, a new DVD, or tickets to a theater or ballet or pop music concert. And if the family you are buying for is struggling with financial issues, get practical with a grocery store or gas station gift card.